Read it through once

Sir Patrick was a man of a very great temper, and of a most violent disposition. He loved hunting, drinking, and gaming; and his passions were indulged without control. He would squander his estate in a few years, and never scruple to sell the plate, or mortgage the lands, or borrow upon the credit of his family. His lady was a very meek woman, and bore all her sufferings with patience; but she had a large family of children, and Sir Patrick took no care to provide for them.